In your gut are trillions upon trillions of tiny microorganisms that we call gut bacteria. These little guys do a variety of things such as aid in digestion and promote regular bowl movements.

Recent research has shown that having a good amount of healthy gut bacteria may be beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight and normalizing blood sugar. Studies have also suggested that having good gut bacteria early on might play a role in not developing a variety of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and even asthma and allergies.1

So what’s the best way to boost your good gut bacteria? – Feed it.

That’s right. Just like we need to eat in order to be healthy these microorganisms need a food called prebiotics, a type of fiber, in order to not just survive but to thrive.

These juicy berries are packed full of naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols.

This special nutrient helps to increase the growth of good gut bacteria while decreasing the bad bacteria. What does that mean for you? Better digestion, more energy, and a happy tummy.2

Blueberries are also an excellent source of the mineral manganese, a nutrient that is essential in the production and utilization of digestive enzymes. Eating a cup of blueberries each day can help maintain optimal levels of digestive enzymes and promote efficient digestion.

4. Whole Oranges

The soluble fiber found in oranges is broken down by our gut bacteria.

One of the byproducts that is created is a fatty acid called butyrate, a substance that is the best energy source for the cells that line our GI tract.

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

You are a palaeolithic man or woman, gathering the natural fruits and berries to feed your small tribe or settlement, when in the midst of gathering you are confronted with the distinct roar of your most dangerous nemesis. A sabre-toothed tiger breaches the brush and asserts it status above you on the food chain. As the stress hormones rush through your veins, your blood pressure rises, sugar is released and blood flows to your muscles, all in a quick fire effort to allow for a swift exit to a place of safety.

As we fast forward to present times, there are no sabre-toothed tigers, but there are holidays, parents-in-law, traffic jams and our perception of stress still results in the same physiological response. This would be ok, except it isn’t much use to just run away when confronted with back to back holiday events, hectic holiday shopping sprees, a traffic jam or a weekend with the in-laws. In addition, prolonged stress results in greater cardiovascular disease risk thanks to the increase in blood pressure.

Luckily, science can help us pick up the slack where evolution let us down.

A study by the University of Connecticut assessed the effect of acai berry supplementation on healthy volunteers and found a single dose to be effective at reducing standing systolic blood pressure 1. This is especially promising, since they used a single dose of 500mg of acai for the study.

In real terms, just adding a teaspoon of Acai Powder to your morning smoothie or porridge may have a positive effect on blood pressure, allowing you to relax and enjoy those holiday events.

Magnesim

Physiologically, magnesium is the perfect antidote to the blood pressure increasing effects of stress. Where stress may lead to the constriction of certain blood vessels and increased blood pressure, magnesium relaxes, dilates and lowers the tension.

A large scale analysis of the latest gold standard studies concluded that magnesium supplementation for a single month is sufficient to lower blood pressure 2.

In case you aren’t a fan of popping pills, there are plenty of other ways to benefit from this relaxing supplement.

Magnesium Oil can be applied to the skin, magnesium sulphate (commonly known as epsom salt) can be used for bathing and a number of foods such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, kale and bananas are good dietary sources.

Maca

Maca is most commonly associated with hormone balance and fertility but it turns out its beneficial effects don’t just stop there.

A study by Victoria University in Australia assessing the effects of maca on postmenopausal women found this powdered root to be effective at reducing diastolic blood pressure 3.

Surprisingly, maca also improved symptoms of depression in this same population. 3

A teaspoon a day over a six week period is sufficient in initiating these beneficial changes.

Whilst these superfoods will go some way in buffering the blood pressure elevating effects of stress, don’t forget to address the root cause. Looking for more ways to de-stress during this hectic holiday season? Check out our Top 5 Tips for Reducing Stress This Holiday Season.

By guest writer and superfood lover Eva Humphries of the Whole Food Warrior.

Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women.

Climacteric, 18: 69-78.

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

The holiday season is full of get-togethers with family and friends, late night hot coco…or spiked eggnog, and festive dinners. We’ve got a few holiday hacks to help you spend less time making dinner and more time enjoying that cocoa with your loved ones.

Plan Ahead:

Plan to do your holiday meal shopping a week in advance. Take inventory of what you have and write down the foods you’ll need for that perfect holiday dinner. Doing so will keep you organized, help you beat the holiday rush, and give you some extra time just in case you missed something.

Prep Side Dishes Early:

Start cooking foods like stuffing, gravy, or pie dough a day or two before your big get together. That way on the actual, day you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. But avoid cooking foods like green beans that could spoil early.

Grate Frozen Vegan Butter:

If you’re like me then you love creating all kinds of scrumptious vegan pies, cookies, and treats during the holidays. With a million things to get done, I end up not having the time (or patience) to wait for my vegan butter to come to room temperature. I know this may sound weird but if you freeze your butter before hand and grate it with a cheese grater it will come to room temperature a lot quicker. Bonus, grating it creates the perfect size pieces for extra flaky pie crusts.

Buy Cooking Mesh Bags:

Cooking space is limited when preparing for a holiday feast. Steamed or boiled veggies are a staple in a plant-based foodie’s house hold but it can be time consuming to boil one vegetable at a time. Instead invest in some cooking mesh bags which will allow you to cook multiple foods at once!

Use A Bowl For Trash:

Instead of continually running back and fourth between the trash use one giant bowl. Place scraps, packaging, and produce odds and ends in your bowl and once your done cooking make one simple trip to the trashcan.

Clean As You Go:

Rather than having an unbearable amount of dishes at the end of the night try to clean as you go. By multitasking you end up with less mess and more time with family and friends.

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

Take of the Pressure off this Holiday Season: The Top 5 Tips for Reducing Stress

1. Take a Breather

Holiday parties, shopping, meal prepping, and more. This time of the year is full of lots of wonderful experiences and get-togethers. But don’t forget to take some time for yourself to recharge. Feelings of stress can come on strong when we are overwhelmed with multiple commitments and ‘To-Dos’. Your best bet to beat the stress? Take a 15 minute break. Go for a short walk. Listen to some soothing music. Strike a couple of your favorite Yoga poses. The possibilities are endless!

2. Be realistic

The holidays don’t have to be perfect or happen just like they did last year. Families and traditions evolve and grow over time. Letting go of the idea that you have to create to perfect holiday experience will help you reduce your stress and enjoy this time of the year. For example if you are use to having a big family get together but this year not every one can join in, find other ways to celebrate together. Meet up before or after the holiday or share videos and pictures through email. It might end up being your new favorite tradition.

3. Eat Healthy!

Keeping a balanced diet full of fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats gives your body the nutrients it needs to manage and reduce stress. When your diet starts lacking in healthy foods your body will have a tougher time dealing with stress. Already feeling stressed out? Enjoy some avocados that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help reduce stress and improve mood or snack on some nuts that are packed full of relaxing B Vitamins & magnesium. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin C, such as camu camu, have also been shown to help manage stress and normalize cortisol levels.1

4. Get some Shut Eye

One of the best ways to manage stress is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Holiday events usually come back to back and while at the time it may seem like a good idea to miss that shut eye in order to have another night out with friends, think again. Sleep is your body’s time to rejuvenate and repair itself. Missing out on those Zzzs will cause a spike in your stress hormones leading to fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and you guessed it more stress. Shoot for 8 hours a night.

5. Take the Time to Give Back

Giving is one of the most rewarding acts you can do. Whether it be your gifts, time, money, or donating items, giving to others has been shown to uplift people’s moods, reduce stress, and even promote longevity.2 Check in with local soup kitchens, schools, homeless shelters, and non-profits for volunteer opportunities.

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

What makes Black Maca unique is it’s innate ability to stimulate libido in both men and women as well as increase potency in men.

Maca is an incredible superfood for daily use regardless, as it’s been shown to:

Enhance stamina

Increase endurance

Supercharge your energy

Create stronger lean muscles

Our Organic, Non-GMO Black Maca is one of the rarest known superfoods.

Try this sacred Incan root as a part of your everyday routine if you are looking to ignite your fire.

Raw, Organic
Black Maca Powder, 4oz$11.99Earn 40 SunPoints

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

Subjects also experienced significantly reduced fatigue and stress, and had better bowel movements.1

Eye Health

Goji berries are an excellent source of selenium, a mineral essential for optimal eye health.

One study even found that, subjects who ate goji berries had increased antioxidant levels in their blood and showed less signs of aging and damage to their eyes.2

Optimal Cell Growth

The unique polysaccharides (long chain sugars) found in goji berries are known to have immune-supporting effects.

One research study showed that these polysaccharides “might significantly inhibit PC-3 tumor growth” and “both the tumor volume and weight of the [goji berry] treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group.”3

Whether you are craving a quick and healthy snack or looking for a functional food with multiple health benefits goji berries are the perfect choice!

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

Detox and re-energize with one of our simple, fresh, and tasty spirulina smoothie recipes. One of spirulina smoothie recipes is a Aloha Detox Smoothie. Spirulina combined with our Oceans Alive 2.0 gently help to get rid of toxins in the body while delivering a powerful punch of nutrients including SuperOxide Dismutast (SOD) the world’s most powerful antioxidant.

The Sunfood Difference™These tablets are cold-pressed from powder without the use of binders or additives. We use broken cell wall chlorella and spirulina grown without the use of pesticides for a completely pure freshwater algae experience enhancing our spirulina smoothie recipes.

We source our spirulina and chlorella from the cleanest sources in the world for our Spirulina Smoothie Recipes. Both are grown indoors in a controlled environment to avoid any possible atmospheric contamination that may occur as with outdoor grown algae. Each batch is tested in third party laboratories to ensure purity. Although the USDA does not currently provide organic certification for indoor grown algae, our spirulina and chlorella are grown and processed to organic standards.

Spirulina Smoothie Recipes – Oceans Alive® 2.0 Marine Phytoplankton
For our Spirulina Smoothie Recipes we loving adding our Phytoplankton. Phytoplankton has been around for nearly 3 billion years, and is the basis of all life formed on earth. Transforming CO2 into oxygen, it is responsible for creating the earth’s atmosphere, and allowing life to flourish. This powerful microalgae is bursting with all the nutrients needed to sustain life on the cellular level. Every life-giving molecule that makes up the entire planet can be found in different strains of Marine Phytoplankton. The nano-sized nutrient particles are easily absorbed by the body, and quickly ready for use on the cellular level.

The Sunfood DifferenceUsing the latest technology and after years of natural selection, we’ve developed an ALL NEW FORMULA of Oceans Alive® Marine Phytoplankton for our Spirulina Smoothie Recipes. This advanced formula contains more SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD) than ever before. SOD is an incredibly potent antioxidant enzyme produced by virtually every cell in the human body; it reduces free radicals formed during normal metabolic cell processes, and protects against oxidative damage.

Spirulina Smoothie Recipes – SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD)
For our Spirulina Smoothie Recipes we loving adding our Oceans Alive®. Oceans Alive® 2.0 is loaded with SOD – an incredibly powerful antioxidant enzyme. Naturally occurring in the human body, SOD protects virtually every cell from harmful free radical toxicity and may also act as a powerful anti-inflammatory. SOD has been known to defend against oxidative damage in cellular, cardiovascular, mental, and immune systems caused by oxidative stress. Unlike antioxidants found in food, which are ingested to seek out and eliminate toxins, SOD works harmoniously with the body’s systems and the antioxidants which naturally occur in it to prevent potential contamination.

Spirulina Smoothie Recipes Directions:

Add all spirulina smoothie recipes ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Prediabetes and diabetes are characterized by abnormal blood sugar levels. Daily intake of chlorella has actually been shown to help promote normal blood sugar levels.6

(3) Supports Heart Health

Taking chlorella was shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by altering serum lipid profiles, specifically by lowering the amount of triglycerides present in the blood.6,7

The specific molecules found in the chlorella that are believed to be responsible for this reduction are a type of vitamin A called carotenoids.

While there are other foods that contain carotenoids such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and kale, there is a distinctive combination of the carotenoids lutein/zeaxanthin and alpha-carotene that make chlorella extra potent.

(4) Stimulates fat loss and healthy body weight

Maintaining a healthy weight takes a lot of work and chlorella might make it a bit easier.

A recent study found that chlorella actually improved metabolic activity allowing the body to reach a healthy weight.5

It also showed that chlorella helped burn fat and increased fat metabolism.5

Whether you are looking to nourish your skin, protect your heart, normalize your blood sugar levels, or get in better shape chlorella is the superfood for you.

Our tablet form makes it easy to take with water. But it’s also fabulous blended into soups, smoothies, dressings, and sauces.

Sunfood’s “Natural Solutions” does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

Cozying up to a savory bowl of curry is a great way to stay warm during Fall and Winter seasons. This hearty dish is chalked full of protein packed quinoa, lush plump olives, and fresh crisp vegetables. It is great as a main dish or perfect as a side to some sautéed tofu and cool fruit.

This lite, low-carb, creamy dessert is the perfect way to end your day. The fresh juicy berries paired with luscious coconut whipped cream wrapped in our delicious coconut wrap will have you wondering why you don’t indulge in dessert more often.

Looking to get the most out of your next workout? Maca Extreme® will help you burn more fat while boosting your energy and the creamy peanut butter will keep you feeling satisfied. Eating a small snack 1-2 hours before you hit the gym can actually help improve athletic performance! If you find yourself really pressed for time try this simple delectable pre-workout nibble.

If you’ve got a few minutes then these little guys are a great portable pre-workout treat that are sure to give you a boost. Organic almonds, plump dates, and satisfying coconut oil provide a powerhouse of healthy carbs, protein, and fats. Plus the maca and theobromine from the cacao will give you that extra jolt of energy to help you push through your next workout.

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor. 2. Blend until a sticky paste forms. 3. Roll mixture into balls and store in the refrigerator. 4. To keep from sticking together, roll balls into coconut or almond flour.

proud partners of:

Information within this site is for educational purposes only. Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Products and information on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.